Heads Up! Conditions are changing with snow and strong SW winds building slab conditions over a weak facetted base.
Weather Forecast
10cm of snow possible into the weekend with freezing levels rising to 1900 m on Friday. Strong SW winds will continue until Sunday.
Snowpack Summary
Strong SW winds building slab on top of a weak faceted snowpack on exposed tree line and alpine features. 10 cm of new snow possible will increase the likelihood of touchy new wind slabs on lee aspects. Mid-pack is weak below tree line due to faceting.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday the field team ski cut a size 2 loose dry avalanche in steep terrain that ran 400m and entrained snow. This avalanche condition should be expected in steep terrain at tree line and below. Touchy slab conditions can be expected below ridge lines in open tree line areas and in the alpine.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday
Problems
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.